The Bar Journal

ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto has crowned the winner of this year’s Art of ITALICUS 2021-22 Aperitivo Challenge. The exciting global final, which took place at the W Hotel Roma on the 29th of May, saw 12 bartenders from around the world come together to share their ITALICUS Aperitivo creation. Judging the competition were four industry experts; ITALICUS founder Giuseppe Gallo, Difford’s Guide co-founder Paloma Alos, SIPS Barcelona co-owner, Mark Alvarez and Elle Deputy Director Barbara Digiglio, who combined their knowledge to decide the winning cocktail. The competition ran through the day, followed by the official opening party of this year’s Roma Bar Show.

The winner of the competition was Nathalie Wenko from Die Parfumerie Bar Austria with the “Inferno” cocktail, a blend of ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, Bay leaf infused gin, Dry Vermouth, Home-made cilantro essence and Dante Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Coming second was Niccolo Rossi from Barrier Bergamo Italy with the “Eclisse” cocktail; ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, green apple and basil extract clarification, Lemon clarification and Spuma Bianca.

And third place was Adrian Michalcik from Pier 42 at Amerikalinjen Norway with the “The Smile as Aperitivo” cocktail; ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, Sherry, gin, Peach-Capers-Lemongrass cordial and Absinthe Bareksten.

The sustainability prize went to Josephine Sondlo from Nori Bar Sweden, with the “Michi” cocktail; ITALICUS Rosolio di Bergamotto, Seaweed infused Suze, Condensed cream soda, Twig & leaf oil and waste sorbet.

Nathalie has won a once in a lifetime culinary and mixology experience with Marc Alvarez from Sips Barcelona.

Grazie mille to everyone who took part in the 2021-22 AOI Aperitivo Challenge Edition. All the entries received have demonstrated a superb level of artistry and creativity with unique inspiration and personality. Please see the full list of finalists below.

GREECE – Alexandre Spyridon Angelis from Matsuhisa Athens bar with the “Altered State”
ITALY – Niccolo Rosso from Barrier Bergamo with the “Eclisse”
SWEDEN – Josephine Sondlo from Nori Bar with the “Michi”
NORWAY – Adrian Michalcik from Pier 42 with the “Smile as Aperitivo”
DENMARK – Tarek Abdallah from Tata with the “Chiara”
UK – Juan Jose Orellano from American Bar at the Savoy Hotel with the “Crescendo”
US – Korab Loga from Bella Gio with the “Eternity”
SPAIN – Agustín Gómez from Bad Company with the “Giambel”
SWITZERLAND – Marco Colelli from Tales Bar with “The Ensemble”
FRANCE – Quentin Monnier from Gina Cocktail Bar, Bordeaux with “Tales of Gold”
GERMANY (Wild Card) – Jan Sporleder from Bar Seibert with “Immortalità”
AUSTRIA (Wild Card) – Nathalie Wenko from Die Parfuemerie Bar with “Inferno”

CONGRATULAZIONI a tutti!

#artofitalicus #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto